Seven Ways to Make Your Newborn Baby Safe around Dogs

Are you scared that your puppy will harm your newborn? There are ways to make your baby safe around dogs. Read on and have fun at home!

Are you scared to come in? I know that you are scared that the moment you open the door, your dog will run and jump on you. He is just excited to see you, and of course to that precious little one in your arms! What will you do?

The fear of your baby’s safety is natural. It is a maternal instinct to protect our children from harm. You know well that a dog is a potential hazard to a child.

There are ways to make your baby safe around dogs. I will give you the easiest and practical ideas to keep harmony in the house, as well as prevent you from having an anxiety attack. You see, dogs and babies are a nice combination at home.

Seven Ways to Make Your Baby Safe around Dogs

I understand that you are a dog lover and own several fur babies at home. However, when your own little one is coming, you knew that nothing would be the same. Here are some tips to keep your mind at peace.

1. Conditioning your Dog’s Mind

Dogs tend to sniff when familiarizing to a scent but they are poor in adapting to something new. Expose your mutt to kids at the park and let him listen to baby sounds like giggles and cries. Buy ahead your baby essentials like a crib, stroller, bassinet, and walker so your pet will get used to the sight of them in the house.

2. Bring your dog to the vet before the baby is due.

It is terrible to take care of a sick dog while you have a new baby at home. It does not only take your time and energy, but it deprives you of giving the attention to your newborn needs. Ensure that your vet has confirmed that your dog is healthy and safe to be around with your child.

3. Familiarize your dog with your baby’s scent.

Dogs remember the scent of their humans. Plan ahead by letting him sniff and look at your baby’s stuff before the baby is due. Drip some of your baby shampoo or lotion on the surface. Let your pet get used to the smell.

When the baby is ready to come home, give your dog a piece of cloth that your newborn just wore and let him sniff it. This way, the baby is not something new when she goes home.

4. Give the dog his own place.

Train your dog to know his own boundaries. Gone are the days that he can stay with you inside the room, sofa or during meals. Provide a separate playing pen for your pet and your baby.

Baby’s immune system is not yet as strong as an adult is. Limit the interaction between your little one and your dog until such time that they are comfortable with one another and your baby is old enough to resist allergies and probable infections. It would also be safe to provide your little one her own place that is comfortable enough to keep her safe.

5. The Proper Place and Time for Food

Babies love the experience of food. As they grow excited with each new taste, the curiosity and cravings for more grow intense. The moment they get a hold of something yummy, it spells TROUBLE to take it back.

Dogs, on the other hand, have this natural impulse to guide and protect their territory. That includes guarding what holds dear to them, may it be their human friend, a toy and yes, particularly their FOOD. With this nature, do not let your baby go close while the dog is eating.

To avoid danger and chaos at home, keep your baby and dog away from each other during their respective mealtime. I suggest training your dog ahead on eating in its own place and time before your baby is due.

6. Never leave your baby alone with the dog.

No matter how gentle your dog proves himself to be, it is a fact that when it gets hurt, it is an instinct for him to react for defense. Babies do not know how to control their movements yet particularly in times of excitement. They may mistake the dog as a toy that is safe to cuddle, kiss or worse, hit.

As a parent, you need to keep strict supervision to prevent accidents. Besides, they never know what danger is all about.

7. Keep your dog’s routine

Do not neglect your responsibility to your dog. Dogs are part of your family as well and do not for forget that he also needs your attention. Do you know that dogs get jealous as well?

Your pet is smart enough to sense the strong connection between you and your baby. Something that you used to enjoy with him before you brought the baby at home. Balance your time and attention and do the same routine you have with your pooch.

As much as possible let your dog feel that nothing has changed.

Conclusion

Even before, I am already a dog person. When I got my pet, it was years before I got married and had a baby. I love my pooch, but of course, having my own baby is a different story.

When I say I can understand your fears, it is true. Giving you these seven ways to make your baby safe around dogs is my way of sharing with you what measures I did to keep my home in harmony. It is also me assuring you that it is possible to enjoy the company of your loyal friend together with your baby and the rest of the family.

Just know the limits and strict to the rules. There are many reasons why you need a dog. I am sure you know them as well. If you find this article helpful, feel free to like and share with your friends.

Hi! My name is Sarah, founder of SarahsLovelyFamily. I love sharing tips and tricks I learned about raising my own family, helping parents like me raise their children healthily while enjoying. You can follow me on Twitter at @SarahsLovelyFam.

Hello, fellow dog lovers! I am Josh Cobbe, the admin of petdogplanet.com, a full-time professional writer, usually, post a guest post on the other pet related blogs to share my experience & some interesting stories subject to the pet.